The Hartsock's

Night with daddy!

2012-02-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

She knows she has it good with 3 big bros!

She is a posing machine

Seriously,

some major posing going on!

The boys walking Preslee down the stairs - too sweet

Big brother answering the front door

Daddy delivering the flowers

He has her hand and heart - can you imagine the boy that has to compete with this man??
Sure to be amazing!

She loves her daddy!

Then Lilly and Sadie Showed up - sweet friends!

The girls wanted to take a picture with all of their corsages

Stover and his girls

The boys took a look in the Limo and then headed to get coats and get into the car to head to Andy Alligators

The girls in the Limo

The rest of the girls

They are off!!!!

Preslee had the best time tonight with her daddy at the Daddy Daughter Dance. Jake was not sure about the whole limo thing because it would seem you should keep the bar low for your girls - but they had so much fun and were glad to go with friends and ride in style. The funniest thing was tonight at bedtime Preslee said, "we even got to ride in an RV". Grateful she doesn't even know the difference between a limo and RV:-) They went to the dance and dinner and all the girls bound into the house with smiles you could not wipe off of their faces - feeling loved by their daddies for sure - happy, happy girls!
Tonight after Bible story and tuck in we talked about how beautiful she is, but that God looks at the heart and Her beautiful heart is much more important. 1 Samuel 16:7

D.D. Dance prep

2012-02-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the daddy daughter dance! Preslee woke early and dancing and saying, "today is the day!".

With her daddy! Love these two so much!

She made this for her daddy!

Life group fun last night making corsages for our girls - aka - Fun night with friends!

Girls just took off with daddy's in a big limo! Off for date night with my little men! No worries I have lots more to post these were just on my phone!

Valentines

2012-02-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

With not knowing what was going to happen time frame wise going to Ghana, and with kids with games on valentines we took the opportunity on Sunday night to celebrate valentines early! Love my man and my gift! Xoxo
**harper update- finished all medicals today and now the exit interview for the birth family will be on the the 20th ( a week from Monday) and hopefully our visa will get printed that Friday! So it looks like the end of the month will be our gotcha day!

Great WOLF!

2012-02-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

We take a picture in this spot every time we come here

They let her have a yellow band even though she was about an inch shy

Hot tub with daddy!

We all gave it a thumbs up!

A little break from the water to have lunch and play at the mall

Cool characters

Super cool - great wolf made of Legos

Breakfast with the characters

Special treat - about an hour into our trip we ran into one of my life long besties Shelly and her family- here are the boys with Bennett

Sometimes you just need a time out! With our weeks and weekends running together with amazing things - sports, ministry, friends - we just had to take a little timeout and take a little family road trip! We headed to great wolf lodge Friday afternoon and a had a blast. It had been a year since we were there and this time no one needed our help with anything - we just tagged along and enjoyed the four we have here now. I'm sure we will have to slow down a bit when Harper Florence arrives but I think she will jump right in with her big brothers and sister quickly- loving right where we are!

Basketball

2012-02-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Koop's buddies Beau and Nate came to the late night game to cheer him on

Super impressed by this guys hustle!

And these two little guys are getting better every game and figuring the game out!
Go Thunder!

Twinkle Toes

2012-02-05T19:46:00.002-08:00

After church we did a change into leotard in the back of the car and picked her up a little sandwich - 12:45 is early on a Sunday for us to be somewhere after celebration service

Off to dance - she loved getting to wear a little blush and lip gloss

Ballet

Tap - she looks so big out there

Best daddy ever - flowers and a gift

Ready for a little post-show orange leaf

Love my girl

She likes a little bit of every flavor

Final parting shot - she wanted to "take a pic of mommy and daddy before they went on a date!"

Preslee had her parents showing Sunday afternoon. Each dancer could only have two guests because of spacing so the boys went home with Juju and Grandad and we had a fun afternoon with our girl. We were quite impressed by how great she did. She didn't need to look at the teacher in either of her dances and was right on and super confident in herself. So fun to watch this little one grow and do new things! Love you sweet girl! The boy can't wait to watch her at her recital in June.

Celebrating Stacy and Gabi!

2012-02-05T19:46:00.001-08:00

This picture made me think of a Proverbs 31 woman - she can laugh at the days to come!

Surprise - loved by big and little peeps alike

The Chefs - Joshua and Heather were a great team

The birthday girls

Thought this was a prophetic picture - true jewels!

Stacy's party was a fun tea party with lots of sweet treats and sweet friends!

The verse I'm believing for her and praying over her this year!

Love my sweet friend! You make 40 look good!

Two sweet friends with birthdays in the same week so we celebrated Stacy with an all girls tea party / dessert night on Saturday and then a surprise dinner party for Gabi Tuesday. Super grateful for both of these women. Love you friends!

Happy birthday luke

2012-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

We have lots of first birthdays coming up int the next few months - Luke was the start of them!

Love you little man!

His timing is so perfect!

2012-02-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to put her to sleep in her bed!

On Tuesday I made my once weekly call to talk to Harper Florence and also our POA. He informed me that a week from Wednesday he would travel to the capital to pick up our packet and take her to get her medicals completed. I then went to the grocery store and continued my errands headed home to get ready for a surprise birthday party for our sweet Gabi. I checked my email while waiting in a check out line and found I had received an email from our agency worker, forwarded from the embassy saying our packet can be picked up @ 2 pm any Wednesday (and only Wednesday) except the 8th (the day I had just been told he was going). That would be a two week stand still in our case. So I went to my car and asked God what I should do and called my oh so wise husband for permission and made another call to our POA, knowing it was 9pm there and the next day was our only shot! I knew he did not have internet at home so chances are he had not received the email yet, and sure enough he had not. I gave him the information and offered a plane ticket (45 minute flight vs. 7 hr bus ride) the following day, and told him to make a few calls and I would call him back in 45 minutes. I got the best news when I called back - there was a flight and he would have a seat on it to go pick up our packet the following morning. He did get the packet yesterday and he and Harper Florence will make the bus ride next Monday morning for her medicals and hopefully we will have a visa print date (final step) in a week or two (only can be done on a Friday). God is so faithful and we rejoice that He is making a way to bring her home quickly!

Spelling bee

2012-01-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

16 students 3rd-5th grade qualified for the school spelling bee last week and our Kooper was one of them! Great job Koop - you are a smart, handsome, kind, mighty man of God!

Celebrating babies!

2012-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

The mountain of gifts awaiting sweet Reagan

One of Amanda's triplet nieces playing with the gifts

Preslee loves Aunt Amanda and can't wait to meet her new little cousin!

Preslee and I loved celebrating Amanda and baby Reagan Sunday afternoon and then back to celebrate Becca and baby Hope!

Can't wait to meet these precious girls - they are sure to be amazing just like their mommas!
{I need one of my friends to send me one of the pics of all of us at Becca's shower- my camera died}

I-600 approved!

2012-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

Didn't get to capture the full excitement of the kids - this is a picture of them guessing what our surprise was - Koop said, "mom is pregnant or we are getting to bring Harper home?"

We said the second one and they all went crazy!

23 days after our I-600 had been filed we are approved! The news came early this morning {3 am our time, 9 am Ghana} - Jake and I celebrated when we got the email a few hours after it was sent, and when I got back from running we had a family meeting and announced the miracle God had done to the kids - and we all celebrated as a family!!!!! God is so good! So we wait for Visa, Medicals, Exit interview - we should have her home in February!!!

Psalm 126:3 The Lord has truly done great things for us and our hearts are GLAD!

Family Mission

2012-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago on family night we had dinner and then came up with our family mission statement for the year!

We want to always keep before us God's purpose for our lives and know that things often change with seasons too. So each year we make family goals in the form of a mission statement, so we can be reminded of our MISSION as a family. This year the kids basically came up with it themselves. WE are constantly amazed at how much they are grasping God's heart for the world around them and the nations of the world! So the Hartsock mission statement soon to be displayed on a canvas for all to see is:

To be a family that loves Jesus, Loves others and impacts the world through soul winning, discipleship and service. We will do it with a happy heart, kind voice and gentle and generous hands!

Can we take them all?

2012-01-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

My kids are so sensitive to their sweet sister waiting for us. The most funny, creative, convicting things come out of their mouths. We have had the stomach bug around our house and so I have had some cuddlers. While watching a gotcha day video (a favorite past time of mine:-) Sutton said, "mom, what if all the kids in the orphanage say they love sister so much they want to come here with her? Could we just adopt them ALL?" Um, I don't know honey, where would we put them all? The boys could just put a big tent up and we could all camp out every night. I think God is moving in little hearts and making his heart revealed from the mouths of babes!

And just because every post is better with a picture!

Sutton started art lessons with my dear friend Annie this week and this is what he drew;

maybe he will sell some artwork to pay for all those adoptions:-)

19 days down!

2012-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to kiss that sweet girl again!

We got an email from the embassy saying we can expect our case to be on track (Maximum 60 day time frame) for the completion of filing our I-600, but also that if this was not the case we would be contacted before the 60 days are over. Needless to say - we don't know anything new on the timeline of when Miss Harper will join us? But I do know that 19 days have passed since we filed our I-600 and that will be 20 tomorrow and 26 next Monday - I like my cup to remain full:-) And by the end of next week we are half way there! But it could be next week I keep telling myself too, though unlikely I always want to air on the side of FAITH! Thanks for Praying with us!!!!

Happy birthday mom!

2012-01-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

I love my mom! She is one of the kindest, most joyful women I know. I know she would do anything for any of us. We had leaders training on Saturday morning at church and we had a sick girl at our house:-(. But we all had dinner and celebrated Nana. Loved hearing how she plays such a big role in each of our lives. She joked that she was not going to clean anymore because several people said things about her cleaning. I personally love your cleaning skills mom and am always grateful to be a recipient of that gift!

Preslee and I made yummy brownies for the celebrating!

Since Preslee was not feeling good she opted for a game with Nana and lots of books read to her instead of basketball with the boys and Papa

We even had time to put Preslee and Harper's names on their new valentine night gowns

Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Cousins

2012-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

This week Juju was watching Brian and Sarah's kids and she is much more fun than I am :-)

She called to see if we could go to the movie in the middle of the day on a Wednesday and so we worked hard to finish up school and take all 8 kids to Beauty and the Beast - Juju brought Belle dresses from her house for the girls to wear - don't they look like little popcorn eating princesses?

And last week when cousins were staying at Juju's I took the oldest 7 to play on Dax's zip-line

(we were bummed to miss them at home though)

Koop would pull the kids that wanted to go fast back as far as possible and let them fly!

Needless to say my kids love their cousins and are waiting for their Texas cousins to come play soon!

Boys hoops!

2012-01-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Koop working on his ball handling

Coach Jimmy with Braxton and Sutton's team!

The boys all started basketball this week and I just got a quick pic snapped at each practice! Can't wait for a fun season of hoops - MY FAVORITE!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

There are many quotes from this mighty man that changed our nation for ever. But here is one of my favorites to meditate on today:
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Amen! Amen!

American Princess!

2012-01-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

She loves basketball, but we had already committed to soccer for the spring so next year is her year!

But she is wasting no time practicing!

She wore Koop's jersey during the entire practice - and I like that it's #10

Still working on her spin!

The next milk mustache model - she is hilarious

Enjoying a little mommy daughter date at Starbucks - what is Harper going to think of Starbucks?

Though my African Princess can not join us yet, my American Princess is here for the celebrating and I love when I get a little time alone with this precious one! Where have the last five years gone? She went for her well-child check this week and they gave us the news every momma wants to hear - Perfect - she does have some big tonsils in there we may get checked out soon - but Perfect! What a joy to get to raise up this little one along with the other 4 He has entrusted us with!

And no more training wheels at our house, for the month at least:-) We saved them for Harper though!

Preslee went from the first few days riding better each day and then on day 3 she could start by herself, turn on a dime and even stop without letting her bike fall!

How are you?

2012-01-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Being home from Ghana for over a month now and having a daughter that lives across the ocean we have been asked lots, "How are you?" I don't know? would be the true answer at times. We have so much to be thankful for and expectant of All that He is doing that we do not even see. But this week it dawned on me that my prayers in the secret place, with Jesus, truly reflect my heart better than any statement I could make. How are you praying? Praying from a place of faith and expectation or is there a lie I am believing somewhere that has brought me to passivity or begging as if my daddy doesn't have it all figured out and love to give good gifts to his kids!? So faith arise, this week is just over one week that our I 600 has been filed and we are praying that we will have her home in February! So we press in and pray and believe for all He has for us! As much as we are ready for this process to be over and have her home, we don't want to miss one thing He has for us in it! So we have been preparing our hearts and our kids hearts for Harper's arrival; but also preparing in the natural too! Preslee had a sweet room with a full size bed so we rearranged and put two twins instead! And all of our lockers were full so we built 3 more! Jake asked if it was a prophetic act to build 2 extra - I told him we better hurry and move our stuff into the other two or who knows:-) Expectant of the next few months! There has been more movement in the Ghana court this month than in months past (at least since we jumped on this wagon a little less than a year ago). Celebrating people getting approval to bring their kids home or take the next step in the process! Keep praying!!! I hear there is a group of Ghana adoption momma's that someone is praying around the clock - need to jump on that train too! Seriously, prayer moves things, people and governments - when we know the power of partnering with the KING we turn to prayer; not our own might! It truly is a demonstration of his power, not my wise and persuasive words that will matter!
1 Cor. 2:4
Join us praying that we have her home forever in February!

Took this picture of P-Love reading her Bible to her doll tonight!

We finished the girl's room this week moving from a full size bed to twins! Preslee loves praying for her sister each night to be in her bed with her babies!

Can't wait to fill the big frame with a sister pic soon:-)

Maybe my favorite part is the art wall!

I'm sure there will be lots more prophetic art hung on there soon, some of it made by tiny hands!

New Photos

2012-01-09T06:13:00.001-08:00

We received a few photos of Harper Florence this weekend! Everyday is a day closer to holding her again!

Date night fun!

2012-01-05T18:24:00.001-08:00

We had a fun date night sushi and bowling! Not that I am keeping score but I did win! Love time with my hubby. Upcoming family night- bowling! Arrived home just in time to see the play the kids had put together and put them to bed!

I 600

2012-01-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

We got an email yesterday that our I 600 had been officially filed!!! It has now moved on to the US side of things and we feel super excited that it could now be anywhere from 3 weeks (not the norm but has happened) up to 90 days ( sigh- that sounds like a long time). So we are just resting in gods peace and perfect timing! And we may be making a few phone calls too!

Ready for this silly girl to come home!

Mark 11:23-25 Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

Christmas Card 2011!

2012-01-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

To our precious friends that live too far to stick one in the mail-

Here is our Christmas Card 2011 - precut

Our family verse for 2012:

All of our children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their PEACE!

Isaiah 54:13

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Braxton caught a big spider Brooks

The Girls!

Fun Devotionals!

Beau and Koop - Mighty Men of God!

We had an amazing weekend playing at the lake and celebrating God's goodness! We had amazing weather to play outside all day and spend such intentional time with friends! Grandad sets up the best treasure hunts for sure!!! Loved ringing in the New Year with prayer and worship! Expectant of all God has in store for 2012!

Clues

and more clues

fun and silly kids

The kids built this cool fort!

The babes

Adventurer

Treasure finders

Love my friends!

Happy birthday friend!

2012-01-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

My sweet, talented, funny, more like a sister than a friend B - Love had a birthday this week! We got to celebrate early with the Stovers and Graves, since she had family in town this week! I am so thankful for this girl! We have had some amazing memories together - her hubby painting "B - Love will you marry me?" on rocks at the lake and proposing 13 years ago was only the start. We got married 6 days a part from eachother and went the same place on our honeymoon and they flew in just in time to celebrate Jake and I! You are a rare gift friend - forever friends and the next generation too, our children love each other dearly! So thankful for your life Love!

Counting my blessings this new year!

2012-01-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

Love these 5 and can't wait until they are ALL in the same picture together!

We have so much to be thankful for but today God has reminded me of His goodness entrusting us with these 5 treasures! Last night as we worshipped and prophesied over each other with amazing friends - what amazing reminders of God's goodness and delight!
Looking forward to bringing Harper Florence home this year, seeing our children grow into more of Him, Thankful, our hearts are truly Thankful!
We walk expectant of what the New Year brings - May Jesus receive all of the honor and Glory!
We choose to walk in thankfulness and expectation of ALL that is yet to be!

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

To do lists!

2011-12-31T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am a to do list girl! I have had to do lists since I was in high school or maybe even before (I never get everything on my list done, but at least I know what I need to move on to the next day or week:-). I guess my kids have caught on to my random lists - on Thursday I had written 'wash the dog' on my dry erase board b/c our furry family member doesn't always get my attention and she needed a bath. So my boys come scooting through the house with dog shampoo in hand, changed into swimsuits and also a random rope that had broken off of our tether ball set. You guessed it - Kooper tethered the dog to him while he gave her a much needed bath! See a need and meet it - shouldn't that be all of our goals!
{I was going to take the dog to the pet store for a bath - it's winter - but don't tell my boys, this was a much better deal for me!} Check that one off of my list!!!

Kid's Museum

2011-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

Fossil dig

Preslee loved the infant unit the best - she grabbed these two and said, 'mom, I'm going to have twins someday like you!' I hope you do sweet girl!

Bubbles

My little digger

Pilots

There is a fun kids museum close to Jake's work! This week we were able to have lunch with Jake and then the kids and I headed over to the museum for a few hours of fun!

Basketball!

2011-12-31T14:04:00.000-08:00

Cotton Candy

Sno Cones

Boomer or Sooner?

Oh how I love that word! One of my favorite past times and hoping it becomes one for our kids. We went to watch Miss Whit last week and Nana and Papa met us = the kids had lots of fun treats too! Looking forward to basketball season with our little guys!

What in the tooth is going on?

2011-12-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the tooth extractions

The next day Sutton pulled his kind of loose tooth

and two days later Sutton pulled the not at all loose tooth!

3 teeth have been lost at our house this week and two were not even loose = Sutton's competitiveness is kicking in and He is still hands down the toughest kid we have ever met! After Papa pulled Braxton's very wiggly but slippery tooth, Sutton pulled his not very wiggly tooth. The new rule of 'mom and dad have to give you the ok to pull your tooth' was implemented Christmas night when Sutton yanked another tooth that was not even wiggling the day before. We are the first family I know of that has had to make such a rule - when you have 3 boys in two years there may be some other crazy rules headed our way soon too!

Christmas Morning!

2011-12-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the signal from daddy to come down!

Lined up youngest to oldest (actually Harper Florence should be in front)

Ages Christmas 2011 - 4,5,7,7,9

Youngest goes first - she is off

Sutton is too sweet - needed to give me another hug even in his rush to get to the gifts

Love these boys!

Koop got the only thing he asked for - R2D2

American girl doll items - Preslee's favorite items this year - along with make up and jewelry

Koop teaching dad to play Chess

This year we started the 'sleep upstairs'; so the kids knew to yell at us when all 4 were up and ready. We had some great worship and daddy read the word to us - complete heart message - not even The Christmas Story - super powerful! Then they lined up for some fun gifts waiting for them downstairs! A few of the kids got bikes, so after breakfast and cuddling I took them individually on a bike ride (me on foot). I can't believe it but I can officially only keep up with Preslee now - and I was running hard! (I love getting time with my kids and often take one of them on their bikes during at least part of my run!)
Maybe the best part for us all was getting to call and talk to Harper Florence - her answer to all of our questions were one of three responses (all her english phrases) - I am fine, I love you and giggle, giggle - joy is universal. We are told she is doing great and is happy as can be and asks every morning and night, "when is my mom coming to get me?" Breaks my heart and the pain is fueling the great fire of praying her home!

So grateful for 4 mighty, world changing men and 2 precious, world changing girls in my life! My cup is so full = I'm one blessed mamma!

Psalm 16:5-6 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

Christmas Eve!

2011-12-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

12 awesome kids saying their verses - from prophecy verses - Luke 2

The finale was Preslee - Luke 2:20

Papa with Preslee and Sutton

The guys

We can't wait for Baby Bower and Harper to be here next Christmas!

Our silly crew - missing little Harper

Sleep in Heavenly Peace! A new tradition; sleeping in the tent upstairs - we will see if it sticks!

We love our sweet community and are so grateful to live life with our precious friends! Christmas Eve service was so fun and we loved that it was at 3pm this year - so we had lots of time to spend with family at home too! After dinner and gifts, we had lots of help putting toys together and playing games. Love our precious family and we are so grateful our family is growing by 2 this year!

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Christmas Eve-Eve

2011-12-26T21:15:00.000-08:00

Mary

Jake playing an angel

Singing

There was even time to pull Brax's tooth

These sweet girls love playing together

Playing games with Gabi

Ma and Pa with their great grandkids

Love this man!

We went to my parents on Friday to celebrate with my grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousins. We had fun watching the kids put on the Christmas story and play together.
Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Christmas with Liddell and Hartsock's

2011-12-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

Santa stopped by to tell the story of Christmas!

Mickey gave the kids lots of creepy wigs - Sutton actually liked his

Some of the cute kids waiting for the Christmas story!

Then off to Juju and Grandad's for PJ's and dinner

P-Love and Gabi

Reading with Juju

All the girls loved the doll furniture - Ella tried it out

Brax excited to get a wappy dog

My little Yeti Sutton

Preslee was thrilled with all of the goods!

The Cousins

My kids have been home for over a week now and we have loved every minute of it. I kind of thrive on a schedule (otherwise I find I get nothing completed) but always welcome the few days each year of no schedule and just fun events at hand with very special people! We started early with celebration with the Hartsock's and Liddell's. Preslee was feeling really sick but did not want to miss out on the fun day so I got a cuddler this week! So thankful for precious family!
Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Celebrating 7 years of life x's 2!

2011-12-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Iceskaters!

It took lots of help to get on all those little skates

The orange cones made it fun!

The cookie cake

and Hot Chocolate

Don't even know where she saw someone do this - but she was twirling around

Whit and Landry surprised the boys - I mean it was a football party and they had his jersey's on

Watching a bit of The Dolphin Tale

'Camp In'

We celebrated Braxton and Sutton's 7th birthday with 5 buddies ice skating and then a 'camp in' sleep over! They thought it was the greatest birthday ever. Love watching my little me turn into mighty Men of God! This group of boys is so blessed to have marvelous comrades to walk through life with!

Little Angels

2011-12-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Fumbly Bumbly Angel cast

Baby Joy - too cute - she was sitting in front of us

Kooper - taking in all the details from Jo before the show! Jordyn and Tina did a great job pulling this thing off!

Sutt-Sutt

p-Love

Brax

A bit more of the cuteness!

2011-12-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

Here she is in action! Sorry for the cheesy mom narration:-)

My precious friend Annie painted this for Harper - it makes my heart leap when I see it in her room!

A little update on Harper Florence Eden = she is doing well. We have gotten to speak to her 3 times during our week home (so thankful). Our Power of Attorney has requested a court date for Tuesday to file the I-600, please pray with us that they let him file for us!

Congrats uncle Michael!

2011-12-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

With all their nieces and nephews 9 and under

We met the gang for lunch to celebrate Michael's graduation from his MBA program. So glad he is finished with a few months to spare before they welcome their sweet little girl. Our kids and their triplet nieces! Wow, after having twins I can not imagine; that is more arms than I have! Congrats Michael - you're the best!

Happy Birthday Braxton and Sutton!

2011-12-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

Pancakes, Heely's and Landry jerseys

Wow! Where has the time gone. We had to wake up some of the kids Friday morning so we could celebrate before daddy headed to work. He told the story of God's amazing hand on their lives - we prayed for full term, healthy precious little boys and we got two of them! We told them about the day they were born and the first time we saw their precious faces. We love our mighty men and are so grateful for their lives. They are truly world changers - we are honored to get to train them up to be used by Jesus! Happy birthday Braxton and Sutton we love you!

Little Helpers!

2011-12-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Preslee helped make a popcorn mix for her teachers!

Finished product!

The boys helped stuff, lick, seal and stamp the Christmas cards

On Wednesday Preslee and I did some baking while the boys finished up school. The boys were so gracious; they said mom we can do that for you ~ they actually did a great job!

Willy Wonka

2011-12-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

Cousins and friends came out to support Koop

Love Katie, Carmen and Jordyn

Kooper did a great job as Grandpa George in Willy Wonka Jr. Thanks to everyone who came to support him. He felt very blessed to have such a great crowd both days.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party!

2011-12-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

Nater and Sutt-Sutt

Brax and his buddies

Sweet girls finished their nativity ornaments

Kooper's class playing a fun game!

I am so grateful for our kids' amazing school. What a joy to be a part of a school that stands on the word as central to all of life! Thursday the kids had their 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party! I am Preslee's homeroom mom (I rotate classes each year, I'll be Sutton or Harper's next year:-) but I still got to sneak out and see the boys having fun at their parties. Love everytime I get to see them with their friends at school, great friends!

Celebrating early

2011-12-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Back and forth from the hot tub to the pool!

Happy Birthday!

We celebrated Braxton and Sutton's bday with Nana and Papa this week. Papa was in town for work and Nana came with him, so we went to swim at their hotel and have some cookies! Love these boys!

Christmas traditions

2011-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas traditions - things the children look forward to that our family does each year! It never fails that year in and out we have to fight to keep it all about Jesus! We can have fun and be together and completely miss Jesus. So our fight is to keep it as pure as possible turning our hearts to Jesus and celebrating prophecy fulfilled with his birth ~ God's gift to us! Each year I love celebrating the year we are finishing up as well, because if you have had kids for a while now you know that it doesn't take long to forget some of those precious moments in their lives that you want to remember forever. So the year before we had Kooper (announcing his coming arrival) we started Christmas Letters, simply to remember who our children had become that year and some of the things we love about who God has made them to be coming out and to remember His goodness and faithfulness ~ I cry every time I read the old letters ~ what precious memories. This years letter only has an update on Harper Florence because I didn't want to send out a 'document' with our card:-) But I still wrote a letter recording all the other fun memories and the other kids' year too. So each year I put the number of copies of cards and letters of kids we have in clear sleeves in a binder and our children always love looking back at the years past. They love hearing the silly things they did when they were 2 and 3 and like the Israelites, they are a bit of markers remembering the kindness and goodness of the Lord! So I encourage you even if you don't want to send them out, to write a letter each year for your remembrance! Your little ones will be glad you did one day too ~ because time truly flies when you are having FUN!
Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”
Joshua 4:7

Hit the ground running!

2011-12-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful 5 year old on the way to the program - she got lip gloss and was so excited!

3rd grade - Koop got to be Joseph

Kindergarteners - we have a cute sheep and donkey up there

Our beautiful Christmas Star - front and center

Precious friends - Preslee and Avery

Koop and Beau

Hartsock and Bennett mighty men and great friends!

When we got home I found these had come in the mail! Makes my heart happy to think about my girls playing together soon!

Saturday morning Christmas parade!

Cool Kindergarteners

Koop and Beau

My bundled up beauty - it was actually perfect weather for a Christmas parade!

Took a pic at ToysRus of Koop in front of the Wonka display!

Well we hit the ground running when we arrived home. School programs on Friday night, Christmas parade Saturday morning, play practice for next weeks musical at church in the afternoon, Willy Wonka Jr. - Kooper performed in Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Throw in cuddling kids, playdates with friends, home school, and daddy preaching Sunday morning and we are ready to start a new week. Tired, but loving our fun and busy season of life! More to come this week with special birthdays and last week of school and school parties. We love celebrating Life and Jesus with those we love!

She is ours and we are headed home!

2011-12-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

Oops! All the pics are in reverse order but I'm too tired to change them!

Daddy carrying her to the car so we could say bye! We will miss you precious one!

She fell asleep on me at the airport

Before we left the hotel we actually took a pic of just the three of us

We enjoyed spending time with Peter and his family (they were in the orphanage together the past 7 months)

Little sponge - last two days there she found out about the computer - we put a Bible song movie on for her while we packed the last day and it's more of pictures not a movie - I look over and she must have seen someone on the video bowing to pray! Excited for all God will do in her precious, tender heart!

Swimming with her friend Peter and daddy

We have not had internet in days at the hotel so no updates from us. But we are now sitting in the Accra airport and headed to DC late tonight and back home tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for all your prayers and emails - good chance I will not get back to all of them - know we are encouraged more than you could ever know! We know so many people have played such big parts in bring our girl home and we are grateful. No we do not have her with us. We know we serve a BIG God and were completely believing Him to even bring her home this trip (even though they told us it was impossible) but instead He provided a great alternative. After visiting the orphanage and seeing her become 'unhappy and not herself' we knew we couldn't leave her there! SO we prayed and asked our power of attorney and his wife that have 4 children the youngest a 6 year old girl to care for her while we are absent, until we can return. They are delighted to pull her into their family and love on her and we know she will be in great hands. So now we pray and wait. Our I-600 will be filed on Monday and then it is in the US Embassy's hands. After we have her visa we will return for only 1 day and bring her home! We are missing all 5 of our kids like crazy but God continues to give us amazing conversations with like minded people. We enjoyed the conversations with 2 other awesome families adopting that were staying at our hotel. And just in the past 5 hours we met 2 pastors at the Kumasi airport that we talked to for hours and it was super powerful, Jake told me God had told him last week that he would get to share with a man from India - on our short 30 minute flight from Kumasi to Accra he sat next to us on the plane and Jake got to share the gospel with him; He is very hungry and wants to talk more - he had never heard before! And then a man from Kansas City has set with us our entire layover and he has been digging water wells in Kumasi and other parts of Ghana the past 10 years (something God has put on our hearts the past few years!) We can't wait to get home and kiss our 4 little ones there and when I get a chance I'll post more pictures from our precious time with our girl! I must say the videos blow the pictures away - she is just too funny! {Was sending this about 35 hours ago from Accra until the electricity went out}
We are now home and I got to upload pictures while my last load of laundry is going - I will pay for it tomorrow, but I hope to be finished to just cuddle with some kids, watch videos of harper and a little school work. Leaving was hard but we are glad to be home and expectant of ALL being together soon. We will get to call Mr. Daniel tomorrow and check on Harper and maybe even talk to her!?! Mail is always a bit overwhelming coming home; but not this time because I'm loving all the Christmas cards!

Why?

2011-12-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

This little girl has opened the door to minister to so many people here. God told us before we came that we were to pour out His love and truth on His people here and He has made it very easy. Of course we have gotten to minister and pray for all of the staff at the orphanage, her family, hotel staff, waiters and waitresses, but I would have never guessed all the wealthy people in our hotel would be so curious about why and what is your motivation to adopt and why not a fresh one (baby) several people have asked us. As we have shared that we didn't choose but God did (and we are just doing what Jesus did for us) and we were just being obedient to His call - many have left in tears; even saying they are inspired to sponsor some children they know to attend school - praise God these children will not be forgotten! I think there is so much overwhelming poverty and a mentality of survival that those who could reach out to others have missed that they could make a difference in the lives of others. God use us is our prayer! To impact a nation even just sowing in prayer as we walk and drive the city! We meet with our attorney this morning and we are hoping to get some "yes answers" to things we have been asking God; things men tell us is impossible! Keep praying, the spirit of the Lord is truly moving before us. Also, sweet Harper Florence is doing amazing! She is so smart and eager to learn English. She knows that mommy gets so excited when she says "thank you or I love you" so when she says it she just giggles! Praying the Lord gives us supernatural grace to communicate and her heart would be healed up from all of the pain she has experienced; she would know that we are here to help her and we can be trusted. She likes me 100% of the time right now but Jake is never sure how she will respond to him. She loves him one second and wants nothing to do with him the next. Pray for supernatural Grace for God to move in the hearts of men and give us FAVOR! We are asking lots of questions as to how we can speed up the process, how she can avoid going back to the orphanage, etc. Feel God going before us and making a road where there has not been one! What a powerful GOD we serve, He loves taking care of His kids!
Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

More bonding and crazy girl!

2011-12-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

Smart girl - she can count to 100 and say her ABC's and knows several colors
But she doesn't actually recognize her alphabet yet, just memorized
And today daddy went to worship with the locals and she and I had a little worship time in the room =
she now knows Jesus loves me!

The first day she grabbed the pen and wrote her numbers, I hope she likes home school with mommy!

Little Ham - with chewing gum in mouth - chewing gum was one of the English words she knew

Sleeping - anytime we get in the car she is out

Best daddy in the world - trying to convince her she was only visiting the orphanage

With Aunt Rose and her uncle and cousins

We feel like we are really getting to know our daughter! What a great feeling that is. She is so fun and crazy. And the girl is serious about her food. We have only had fits at meal time:-) She eats more than Jake and I both! And she doesn't leave anything on her plate. Yesterday we got to see a little more of what has shaped her life and to think that we will not have to walk through some tough things is pretty crazy. If not speaking the same language was not enough; a life of complete poverty and independence would do it. We visited her orphanage and met her friends and many other precious faces waiting for a family (from 8 months to 15 years). Then we went to her aunt's house. She had a hard time returning to the orphanage, I think she was scared she was going back (which breaks my heart that she will have to soon), but she loved seeing her aunt and cousins. She is perfectly precious, and I have never seen a kid fall asleep in 30 seconds flat (we have no sleep issues - praise God!). Jake is really picking up the language - first time ever that he has been more concerned with the language than me. It's funny at lunch she will be having complete conversations with us and we will ask a waiter or another patron what she is saying and we find out we were absolutely clueless, or when alone and she is completely telling us a story and we just make up some jibberish and give her a hug and she laughs at us. We are really missing our precious ones at home but have gotten to talk to them via Skype the past two days. 'Harper Florence' she now calls herself! She knows all of the kids names and loves wearing a headband (she will go no where without one) because the picture of Preslee in her book, she had a headband with a flower on it. Today we went to the zoo and cultural center. She wanted nothing to do with daddy all day, but could not get enough of him today? We are learning more and bonding more each day and are grateful for our time. She now says I love you and kisses us - melts my heart! It also makes my heart happy that when it's time to lay down or when I'm reading my Bible she will go and get hers. Don't know how much of the stories she understands but she is mesmerized! Internet is on and off at our hotel so just wanted to send a little update! Please keep praying for us, we need supernatural grace being away from the kids and for bonding and language. Better go rest while she is napping because we have one more meal tonight = some emotional display to get to train her:-) With God All Things Are Possible!!! Mark 10:27
*Internet is so slow to upload pics so more to come when we get back next week!

Day 2: Meet Harper Florence Eden

2011-12-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

Up early and happy in her new pajamas

Cheese at breakfast

Lovin on daddy

Telling us about all of the kids

Oh how I wish I could introduce each of you to her today! She is beautiful, funny, strong-willed, loving, and so sweet. We had a fun morning of playing in the room; taking many walks (it's 90 degrees and beautiful here); and even seeing a little more of her personality come out. She threw a little fit (ok- a big one) at lunch today because she didn't like what was on her plate. After being carried away from the table until she stopped crying; she decided she actually liked her rice and chicken when she returned:-) I am so glad she is not our first, we have had lots of practice! She is taking a long nap now - we kept her up way too late last night! We love this girl so much and can't wait for her to meet her brothers and sister - she already knows each of their names and kisses their pictures in her book. She is now very comfortable with mommy and daddy and specifically loves rubbing my hair and the hair on Jake's arms:-) We keep asking ourselves - how are we going to leave her next week?

Ghana!

2011-12-01T01:57:00.000-08:00

Asleep in the car when we arrived!

Laying on daddy this morning!

After almost 40 hours of travel we arrived about 1am. We were supposed to have a 40 minute flight but the airport in Kumasi is closed for renovations so instead we had a 7 hour bus drive. Praying it opens back up by next Wednesday! Our sweet girl had been asleep in the car for over 4 hours waiting for us, this was not the introduction we were expecting:-) SO I scooped her up and held her on the ride to the hotel. After waking up a bit dazed and confused she checked us all out; decided we were trust worthy. After a bath and some new PJ's and books we were all ready for bed. She rubbed my hair and face all night! She is absolutely precious and speaks about as much English as we were prepared for (not much). Loving our time at the hotel today. Hope to post more later - thanks for all your prayers - we feel so covered! {I'll try to post more pics tonight; it takes forever to upload them}

We are off!

2011-11-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

Putting all their change in the coin star so we can take it to the orphanage!

They raised $100 to go to the orphanage the past week - impressive!

A going away party!

The kids surprised me with a going away party Monday after home school. Love their creativity - complete with 'place the parrot on the pirate' game and decorations and a homemade pinata!

Man I'm going to miss these little ones! But I know God will watch over our hearts and they are in amazing care of our awesome parents!

Praying supernatural peace and joy over our trip and absence!

We head out in just a few hours. To think we will be with little miss Harper tomorrow is very surreal to me! Please pray for us as we go and for our little ones as they stay!

Isaiah 55:12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Ice Skating

2011-11-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

We were impressed with their skating! The boys had the Nerf football on the ice by the end!

Warming up with hot chocolate!

We had our final family night before our trip to the new ice skating rink and we had it all to ourselves. The kids did great and the twins are requesting their party there in a few weeks! Daddy got to minister to the guy who owns the rink the entire time and he said, "this is the best night of my life".

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Saturday football!

2011-11-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

Headed to the game in the bus

Love these two

Snacks will keep us going another quarter!

We had a fun Saturday cheering on Landry - also a COLD day! We had fun and the best part was that Brax and I went to get the car and pick up the rest of the gang and I could not remember where we parked! Don't think my hubby didn't laugh at me! Love my time with these 5!

Golden Friday!

2011-11-29T04:52:00.000-08:00

Maybe my favorite ornaments ever - 2 sides Luke 2 ornaments - they tell the story and it's fun to listen to the kids tell the story from them!

One of our strong little men

It was Braxton's year to put the star on

Favorite ornament of the year! Made these Africa ornaments a few weeks ago!

We even got to serve dinner on our Christmas dishes last night!

Got these as a gift from my mother in law a few years ago and just love them!

There is nothing Black about our Friday - more like golden! No door busting deals though I did do a little Christmas shopping with my cup of coffee in hand from the comfort of my living rooms while all the littles were sleeping. Daddy and Papa had brought the tree down the night before so the littles were ready for some beautiful Christmas melodies playing as we ate cinnamon rolls and drank hot coco and then the tree box opened to their amazement and they did all the decorating this year - wow how the years have shifted and I was telling my mom 'they didn't even break a single ornament'; definitely a new record at the Hartsock home! After lots of decorating and silliness we headed to Nana and Papa's for some more fun decorating her tree! How we love our long weekends!

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Turkey trot crew

Coloring turkeys after the trot with our neighbor Ted

Cutest turkeys ever!

Thankful - encouraging the older generations - Juju and grandad are a definite favorite

These two cuties would be fine to just be left to them selves

Treasure hunt - uncle Micky always has a big treasure hunt for the kids

The boys favorite decorations were putting up all the nativity sets

A little silent night in sign language

Happy to get her tree put up first

Papa leading a little game of simon says

The kids came out and had planned the entire story of Jesus birth for us

Complete with 3 songs mixed in

They would change characters as the story progressed - Sutton the donkey

Maybe the best scene was when Braxton pulled out the powertool! He was Joseph at this point - love their creativity!

We started out the day with family time, followed by a turkey trot with cousins. The kids all pick to go on foot or on a scooter or bike. They are all growing so much and we have more on bikes without training wheels every year. {I meant to have some fun shirts printed up this year - but along with many other things it got overlooked because we have some VERY IMPORTANT things on our mind! Like leaving for Ghana in 3 days! I feel like I have planned so much but when I made my to do list this morning it still seems LONG! God is SUPER faithful though and we are trusting Him with every detail.} Then to Bob and Judi's for lunch and a day of perfect weather for little ones to play outside and get creative together! Nana and Papa came over that night to play and laugh and be entertained! Then we went to Nana and Papa's Friday for some fun with Uncle Michael, Aunt Amanda and NeNe. We are so thankful for our family! Can't wait for Michael and Amanda's baby lovingly nicknamed 'Twister' by Papa to get here! Preslee said, "Twister is a bad name for a little girl Papa!" We all agreed!
We have so much to be thankful for - Rejoice in the Lord always!

Visas

2011-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Praying this is the last week she will need to have a heart over her precious face!

Once she is legally ours I will post some pics!! We have not gotten any new ones since our referral and I'm dying to see how much she has changed!

We overnighted our Visa's a few weeks ago and Jake's arrived on Tuesday. I called our caseworker J and asked if they should have been sent together. We decided we would give it until Friday to call. Wednesday night we were up late chatting with precious friends headed back to Brazil and I checked my home messages. I had a message from a lady in another state that had not only received her passport and visa but mine too. Big mistake on the embassy's part but just grateful she went the extra mile after not getting a return call from the embassy for two days decided to contact me herself. So she will overnight it today and hopefully we will be on our way. Praising God for provision over the obstacles that have come our way; looking forward to kissing our little ones face!
Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

Giving Thanks!

2011-11-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

I think we can talk about Thanksgiving and actually miss the true meaning (along with so many other traditions). So I prefer to call it Giving Thanks. It's changed up just enough to make ya think! The word says that 'a thankful heart prepares the way for the Lord' and we want to stir up thankfulness in all things! So this mornings' family time giving thanks list from the kids is as follows:
*My family
*Jesus loving us and dying for our sins
*Harper joining our family
*Having lots of brothers and sisters
*Harper's friends in the orphanage
*Paws (our dog -and the kids were shocked that she was not on my top 10 list:-)
*Grandparents
*Friends
*Cousins
*Having enough food and clean water
*That Jesus is coming back for his church
{Out of the mouths of babes - thankfulness}
Praying you stir up thankfulness today!!!!
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5

Repentance = a beautiful thing!

2011-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

Preslee had her parent's watch week at dance this week! It was fun to see all she has been learning!

She loves dancing!

Papa's first set of tap shoes to put on

Preslee had a large cheering section

Cousins drove in from Waco just in time

Mr. T - I finally know what she has been talking about for months -

With her sweet friend Kennedy

This was her chosen start move

We have maybe the sweetest, toughest, most beautiful little girl who is also full of will! We have prayed over her "Lord break her will but not her spirit" - He has made her to be unique and purposed her for so many wonderful things for the kingdom of God! The past few days after two instances of not having the 'Joy of the Lord' (like we call it at our house) she walked up to me broken and in tears and said, "mommy I don't want to act ugly to you, I really don't!" Then giving me the biggest hugs we got to have some deep heart talks and pray. So thankful God has called me to train up this little one! She truly delights my heart; along with these three mighty warriors. So grateful for sweet fruit buds:-)
Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Last family pic with only 6!

2011-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

Brittany captured our 2011 for us! So grateful for all the photos to capture our ever changing season - sweet memories. I almost waited for Ms. Harper but wanted to get the kids pics this year too!

B-Love assures me she will capture her as soon as she is here!

I already have her outfit picked out - dreaming of that day we are all together and all our little chicks are in my nest!

We leave in 13 days and I have so much to get done!

Church in the Park

2011-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

We had church outside in the Park a few weeks ago. We have a big evangelism push prior to it and it's so fun to watch people getting plugged into community! Perfect day with baptisms, worship and testimonies. Follow by a chili cook-off and games in the park!

Ride On

2011-11-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

Jake trying his hardest to hang on

Kooper was the champion - I think his gymnastics background help him!

We went to a fun fall party and they had a bunkin' bronco! Kooper was the champion riding for almost a minute! He's already requesting one at our next event!

Football and double dates

2011-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

We went to an amazing game with Annie and Dan! Annie and I laughed so hard because at one time the guys were sitting across the aisle from us and totally looked like they were on a date!

We had lots of fun and didn't even feel the biggest earthquake in Oklahoma history because there were 55,000 crazy fans cheering!

Playdates

2011-11-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Precious Girls

My kids love them some playdates! Preslee's sweet friend didn't get to come to her birthday party so she came over for a playdate last week!

Our precious girl

2011-11-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

One night we had friends over and put the kids to bed; when we went back in her room after they left we found her asleep by her door with her animals and babies lining the way to the bed!

Caught a few pics of her before she caught me

She often moves the ottoman out of the living room and puts on worship and dances for Jesus!

She was trying out her new twinkle toes too!

The girl has worn them everyday since she got them:-)

She asks every big girl - if you were my age would you want to get shoes that light up?

She is thrilled that they have all said yes!

Ft. Worth Fun!

2011-11-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sour face girls - love the Coles!

Preslee has asked daily when she gets to see Molly again

Lego Land surprise

Cool lego dude!

We had an amazing weekend in Ft. Worth leading 1/3 of our Equip class on an outreach to love the city and partner with our sister church there. The kids had so much fun and total bonus that their friends were there to play with! On the way back Sunday we surprised the kids with a little trip to Lego Land!

Love our community and the way they love Jesus!

End of soccer and football

2011-11-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

Sutton

Braxton

Dax

Port

Nate

Beau and Koop sweet friends - cheering on their little bros

We celebrated a fun soccer season with pizza before heading over to

Upwards awards night! Kooper had an amazing year, blazing lots of touchdowns!

We will see if daddy lets him play tackle next year - he is hoping so!

They went all out getting pink trophies and hello kitty certificates with "their personal award on it"

Preslee got "Most Competitive" - what can I say my girl likes to win and win big - must be in the blood!

We were missing sweet Sadie who was sick!

What a fun year watching the kids play soccer and football. Praying sweet Harper is able to play on Preslee's team in the spring!

Seriously!

2011-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Just got notification that they said YES! We are going to travel a few days early to spend time with our girl and then go to court and we will head back on the 7th to arrive home on the 8th and attend all of our kids programs and our POA will file our I-600. And our trip got shortened by a few days and we get to spend more days with her - seriously, this is amazing! God is sooo faithful!

Pray!

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

We got an early email this morning saying that there is a possibility our court date could be put on hold a few days and that would make us miss all our kids programs - school and musical theater for Kooper. Please pray - we rest assured that God is so good and so is His timing - but know it's our responsibility to Pray! God was reminding me how I was supposed to be induced with the twins the morning of Kooper's little music school performance and we prayed and when we called in at 5 that morning they had had several people come in over night and needed to put us off a few hours. After watching our little man we went straight and GOD gave us two more little men! So glad we serve a God that gives us the desires of our hearts when we submit Everything to Him!
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Court date!

2011-11-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard the screams from the Hartsock house - "WE HAVE A COURT DATE"!!!!
We are super excited we will be leaving the Saturday after Thanksgiving! We are super thankful!
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us!

Orphan Sunday!

2011-11-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will have our first Orphan Sunday! We will celebrate the beauty of adoption and the way God puts the lonely into families. If you live in the area you are welcome to join us for our first Sunday at the Embassy Suites @ 10 am. Just a glimpse of truth below:
Open our eyes Lord!

Walk around!

2011-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Entertaining Ezra

Throwing eggs at the Baylor fans

Getting a ride from Uncle Michael and daddy

Climbing girl

Our baby cousin will be here next homecoming! Uncle Michael may not be giving any rides!

Homecoming in Stillwater is soooo fun! We have not gotten to go in a few years so this year we made a carpool trip with the Morris'. Girls in one car and guys in the other - love our friends! Perfect fall weather for a little walk around, carnival and home too late! We made plans to meet up with several people but with such a large crowd we were super surprised at how many old friends we just ran into! So many sweet memories in Stillwater - fell in love with Jake there being at the top of them!

The Party!

2011-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Blowing out her candle

Some fun friends!

Gabi and Carmen saved the day taking care of the tie dying for me

Love my girl!

Kooper tried out his new face paint set on all of the kids

Sweet friends - Preslee and Bella

Crazy boys in the clubhouse

Our beautiful 5 year old!

We had Preslee's party Saturday afternoon and celebrated with some tie dying, hair spray painting and fun. We had fun celebrating our sweet little one! This is going to be a great year - you're going to be a big sister for the first time soon!!!

Happy birthday sweet girl!

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Next to her two best friends at school - sweet Bella and Avery

Her birthday was a school day so we were up a little early for some chocolate chip pancakes (my girl's favorite) and a little time celebrating her. Then I got to take cupcakes to her class - love seeing her with her sweet friends! We love everything about you precious one!
God gave us this verse to pray for our girls this year! We pray you will always pursue the Lord all the days of your life!

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hello Kitty Rock Stars

2011-10-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Yes that is their name! We snapped a quick team pic after their game Sunday afternoon! The girls are having so much fun playing and they are all really good! Just a few more games to close out an undefeated season:-)

Love these kids!

2011-10-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Trying out kids life groups - the kids acting out Daniel and the Lion's den

The Hartsock's and Bennett's love playing and acting together!

Kooper, Preslee and Lauren got to be in the skit at the Vine

The family board game we made!

I am so grateful for our community of friends and specifically for our kids leaders at church. Last Friday we had so much fun at the Vine - a family worship night and the families all split up and made the coolest games. Another thing we are so pumped about is the soon starting Kids Life Groups! They have been experimenting and we are praying for them to start next month. What amazing leaders that pour into our kids lives!!!!
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

My big 5 year old!

2011-10-25T21:56:00.001-07:00

We can't believe our girl is going to be 5 in just one day. She is truly a joy and delight! We love watching her be fully girl and fearless and tough all at the same time. Brittany made these darling invites for her party. She asked her friends to bring school supplies and gifts for her sister's orphanage instead of gifts for her and she has asked several times about us taking them to the kids and how happy they are going to be! We pray our kids will get from a young age that it truly is better to give than to receive!

Pumpkin patch with friends!

2011-10-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Cuties before the maze, slides, hay ride and animal slobber

All my kids thought it was so cool to put hay in your mouth and be like a farmer

Not sure where they learned that

But they all loved it

Even her

The kids all went for the green pumpkins when it was time to pick one out of the patch - they didn't care that they were not fully ripe - they liked that they were different than the rest!

Shelly and her kids met us at the pumpkin patch Friday for a fun afternoon of petting animals, corn maze, giant slides and picking pumpkins. Shelly is one of my dearest friends and we go back to best friends starting in 7th grade. Living in different cities we don't get to see each other as often as we would like but when we do we LOVE it. Our kids also had lots of fun!

How I love you....

2011-10-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Let me count the ways:
1. Your eternal perspective on life - so grateful you always push me toward Heaven and away from Earth
2. The way you always believe the best about others
3. The way you love Jesus and are devoted to His purposes
4. The way you love me - luckiest girl in the world
5. The way you love our kids - luckiest kids in the world
6. Wisdom from Heaven - you always know what to do
7. Humility beyond words - you are truly a humble man
8. You are FUN - my very best friend
9. And it doesn't hurt that you're super HOT either!

So for Jake's birthday I surprised him with a 24 hour date. Just intentional time, laughing and having fun = I don't know if we could even tell you what we did; but it was perfect. Bob and Judi were so gracious to have the kids and we didn't miss any games:-) We headed out after the boys games on Saturday and got back just before Preslee's on Sunday afternoon! Love being with you honey!
Then Monday morning, his actual birthday; I asked him to cancel his discipleship morning so we could have a great family birthday breakfast before starting his always busy Monday (the only day he works in town). So glad our kids didn't have to go to school; Jake and all of our kids love IHOP so we had some yummy breakfast to start off the day celebrating daddy! We love you!!

If you can't tell we had to wake the kids up b/c Jake didn't have time to wait for them

This cutie decided to just put some boots on and go in her glow in the dark PJ's

Psalm 112:1 Blessed are those who fear the LORD; who find great delight in his commands.

It's a girl!

2011-10-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

We got a text last week with this fun picture. My brother and sister in law had their sonogram and found out that in just over 4 months we will meet their precious baby girl. All my kids are beyond excited to meet their new little cousin!

He's so faithful!

2011-10-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

I was reminded once again today of God's faithfulness. We still do not have a travel date or even any news of the regional director being replaced - this is our hold up in getting a travel date. But just reminded that God's timing is so perfect and we can rest in His perfect plan!

Psalm 70:4
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!”

Weekend of rest!

2011-10-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend at home - tent up in the living room, lots of football and trying new recipes. We didn't know how much we needed just to stay home and have a day. We loved it even more as friends stopped by to play, chat and watch some football too! Always love a little time out in life to enjoy my sweet blessings without an agenda! The kids were up at 6 the next morning (our kids don't wake up at 6 except to catch early flights) so we may not try this again for a while!

Chocolate chip cookies with oreos inside off pinterest did not disappoint

Lunch in the tent

In our living room!

Found this later - the boys had already made a list {love the planning}

In case you are wondering lighter was crossed out when they found out it was raining and they would have to camp in

Before bed Kooper read the Bible story

And finally at almost 10 they all fell asleep

Amazing story

2011-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

My mom sent me this link today - the kids and I cried - ok, they were moved, I was sobbing! We all deserve a chance and I love the way adoption is such a great tool at taking a little life and watching it blossom. Our little ones given name is Florence meaning "blossom" and we can't wait to watch her do just that!

amazing story

Sweet birthdays!

2011-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Some of the beautiful ballerinas celebrating the birthday girl

The ice cream cups and all the flavors were the hit of the party; cotton candy came in a close 2nd

Some of the sweet girls at the Lemonade Stand

Birthday girl Selah - Ash she is looking like 4 going on 14 here:-)

Preslee diligently making her hat

Pretty cute finished product

Ok, my kids (especially Preslee) had an unhealthy amount of straight sugar on Sunday. First we celebrated Selah with a fun Lemonade party. When I got Preslee in her class at church that morning Sadie, Selah and Preslee were jumping up and down saying "we get to come to your party"! And it didn't disappoint! Then home to get the boys and head to celebrate sweet Ella. She turned 3 though she could pass for four. She had a fun little dance party; but the kids mainly ran over each other with cars:-) They had fun playing with their cousins and eating lots more sugar. Super fun parties and super special little girls! Grateful for their lives and excited for all God has for you girls!

Girl time!

2011-10-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

Lots of sticky glue

and even more glitter

and of course we spilt some

Then a little trip to Orange Leaf with daddy daughter dance dress on and pup in tow!

Jake took the boys to the first football game and Preslee and I had a fun girl night! I asked what she wanted to do and she said paint some more pumpkins, take a bubble bath and then go to Orange Leaf.

She is pretty easy to please and we did just that! When the boys got home we were already in mommy and daddy's bed telling stories! Love time with my sweet girl = she is growing up so fast!

Saturday Fun!

2011-10-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I forgot how busy the fall is! We have had lots of fun on Saturdays headed to flag football, soccer and Sooner football games the past two weeks. Can't believe it's October and we are still awaiting news on travel date - will post when we have an official one!

Lilly had her doll house to entertain the masses at Koop and London's game

Papa came to watch #6 from the car

Brax showing off Carmen's shark fin

She is seriously one fun and crazy girl! Love that she loves Jesus and his people so well!

Two cuties - I love that no matter how old he gets he is the best cuddler

Preslee and Sadie holding hands headed back to midfield after scoring a goal

We got to take Gabi to cheer on Landry = we laughed that our kids have no OU gear:-)

We need to get them some #12 jerseys!

My kids are always pumped to play with the Bennett's

We ran into Nate and his grandpa and you would have thought we won the lottery!

Ghana!

2011-10-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Court is open today for the first time in 2 months and we are
very expectant of news on court dates and travel! We are
trying to keep our schedule open but looking at it does not
prove that! It's a busy month but we will leave it all to Go.
Join us in praying for favor as our representative asks if we
can make one trip instead of two - praying the favor of God!

Love our friends!

2011-10-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows I adore my girlfriends! Seriously, God has given me such sweet, precious gifts of deep friendship in every season of life. This week I had a few reminders of such sweetness and being loved and know so well. Sometimes funny humor just spells L-O-V-E!

Sweet messages left on our driveway as we slept one night!

What a gift to have friends praying for you that Ghana is on all of our minds these days!

And who could resist the word pictures!

And I got this text to me this week! Love growing in every season with sweet friends!

Kooper's first football game

2011-09-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Nice throw!

Checking out routes

Preslee cried this morning when I told her she didn't have a game today. She made the best of it getting to fix Ella's hair!

Kooper got to play his first flag football game this week. He scored two touchdowns and got his flag pulled on the 2 yard line to keep from scoring #3. Loved watching my little man play. Reminded me of his daddy catching and running with the ball.

Firehouse

2011-09-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

We went to the firehouse with Braxton and Sutton's classes last Monday! The kids all had fun playing with their friends!

Dolphin Tale

2011-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

We went to watch Dolphin Tale last night with Juju, Grandad, Mama and Papa - and an added bonus when we got out we got to meet the guy who made the prosthesis for the dolphin "Morgan Freeman in the movie". They let the kids touch and stretch the guard that made the dolphin accept his tail and we had a science lesson at 9pm!

World Mandate

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Preslee Loves her new friend Grace

We had a zoo trip with the DeSpain's and Jade got to go too on Saturday morning!

My little monkey's on the big monkey

We made a fun trip to Waco last weekend for World Mandate. It was so fun to hear accounts of God impacting the World and always fun to hang with family and amazing friends - old and new! Praise God He has mandated us to Go to the hurting, and those who don't know Him! I loved every teaching but the A-21 campaign was new to us and we were very burdened for the human trafficking they were stopping and all the girls' lives they are changing! One thing she said that has rung in my mind over the past week is "there are more slaves today than anytime in history; Not on our watch!"

Family night and Gabi

2011-09-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

We had a fun family night - painting pumpkins and dinner with the Morris' and Gabi. Gabi had just got off of the plane from Brazil and was probably thinking these people are crazy - pumpkins, glitter and glue! So thankful for fun friends!

Ask5for5

2011-09-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

A Hungry Child Can't Wait: Let's Change History

Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5
Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

Thank you Kourtney and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week.

A hungry child in East Africa can't wait. Her hunger consumes her while we decide if we'll respond and save her life. In Somalia, children are stumbling along for days, even weeks, on dangerous roads and with empty stomachs in search of food and water. Their crops failed for the third year in a row. All their animals died. They lost everything. Thousands are dying along the road before they find help in refugee camps.

At my house, when my three children are hungry, they wait minutes for food, maybe an hour if dinner is approaching. Children affected by the food crisis in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia aren't so lucky. Did you know that the worst drought in 60 years is ravaging whole countries right now, as you read this? Famine, a term not used lightly, has been declared in Somalia. This is the world's first famine in 20 years.12.4 million people are in need of emergency assistance and over 29,000 children have died in the last three months alone. A child is dying every 5 minutes. It it estimated that 750,000 people could die before this famine is over. Take a moment and let that settle in.

The media plays a major role in disasters. They have the power to draw the attention of society to respond--or not. Unfortunately, this horrific disaster has become merely a footnote in most national media outlets. News of the U.S. national debt squabble and the latest celebrity's baby bump dominate headlines. That is why I am thrilled that nearly 150 bloggers from all over the world are joining together today to use the power of social media to make their own headlines; to share the urgent need of the almost forgotten with their blog readers. Humans have the capacity to care deeply for those who are suffering, but in a situation like this when the numbers are too huge to grasp and the people so far away, we often feel like the little we can do will be a drop in the ocean, and don't do anything at all.

When news of the famine first hit the news in late July, I selfishly avoided it. I didn't want to read about it or hear about it because I knew I would feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I wanted to protect myself. I knew I would need to do something if I knew what was really happening. You see, this food crisis is personal. I have a 4-year-old son and a 1 yr-old daughter who were adopted from Ethiopia and born in regions now affected by the drought. If my children still lived in their home villages, they would be two of the 12.4 million. My children: extremely hungry and malnourished? Gulp. I think any one of us would do anything we could for our hungry child. But would you do something for another mother's hungry child?

My friend and World Vision staffer, Jon Warren, was recently in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya--the largest refugee camp in the world with over 400,000 people. He told me the story of Isnino Siyat, 22, a mother who walked for 10 days and nights with her husband, 1 yr-old-baby, Suleiman, and 4 yr.-old son Adan Hussein, fleeing the drought in Somalia. When she arrived at Dadaab, she built the family a shelter with borrowed materials while carrying her baby on her back. Even her dress is borrowed. As she sat in the shelter on her second night in camp she told Jon, "I left because of hunger. It is a very horrible drought which finished both our livestock and our farm." The family lost their 5 cows and 10 goats one by one over 3 months, as grazing lands dried up. "We don't have enough food now...our food is finished. I am really worried about the future of my children and myself if the situation continues."

Will you help a child like Baby Suleiman? Ask5for5 is a dream built upon the belief that you will.

That something I knew I would need to do became a campaign called #Ask5for5 to raise awareness and funds for famine and drought victims. The concept is simple, give $5 and ask five of your friends to give $5, and then they each ask five of their friends to give $5 and so on--in nine generations of 5x5x5...we could raise $2.4 Million! In one month, over 750 people have donated over $25,000! I set up a fundraiser at See Your Impact and 100% of the funds will go to World Vision, an organization that has been fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa for decades and will continue long after this famine has ended. Donationscan multiply up to 5 times in impact by government grants to help provide emergency food, clean water, agricultural support, healthcare, and other vital assistance to children and families suffering in the Horn.

I need you to help me save lives. It's so so simple; here's what you need to do:

Donate $5 or more on this page (http://seeyourimpact.org/members/ask5for5)
Send an email to your friends and ask them to join us.
Share #Ask5for5 on Facebook and Twitter!

I'm looking for another 100 bloggers to share this post on their blogs throughout Social Media Week. Email me at ask5for5@gmail.com if you're interested in participating this week.

A hungry child doesn't wait. She doesn't wait for us to finish the other things on our to-do list, or get to it next month when we might have a little more money to give. She doesn't wait for us to decide if she's important enough to deserve a response. She will only wait as long as her weakened little body will hold on...please respond now and help save her life. Ask 5 for 5.

Thank you on behalf of all of those who will be helped--you are saving lives and changing history.

p.s. Please don't move on to the next website before you donate and email your friends right now. It only takes 5 minutes and just $5, and if you're life is busy like mine, you probably won't get back to it later. Let's not be a generation that ignores hundreds of thousands of starving people, instead let's leave a legacy of compassion. You have the opportunity to save a life today!

It's not fair!

2011-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

One of my kids said, "It's not fair" about something rather insignificant today. I had been praying for Eastern Africa this morning and come across some heartbreaking pictures so I just pulled one up and said, "No that's not fair". His attitude quickly changed and he was broken for so many other little ones clinging to life. Life really isn't fair!
You can check out the little picture if you want here:
Sad picture from Somalia

Pray for these people!

Little dancer

2011-09-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

The serious dancer pose

The twirl

The finish

Love this one - you can see all her little muscles - she looks a bit like a gymnast!

Preslee is taking her first year of dance. And to no ones surprise she loves it! She is just an 'I love it kind of girl'. I love that about her - she truly loves every second of life - taking it all in at about 60 mph! {wonder where she learned that?}

Lots of celebrating friends!

2011-09-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

We have gotten to go to some fun birthday parties the past few weeks. I don't have pics from all of them - I get too busy talking:-) But here are some fun friends we have loved celebrating! Happy birthday friends!

Labor Day at the lake we celebrated Murphy's 3rd birthday with a Candy Land party

They all had fun playing the game and eating sweet treats!

Dax had a fun baseball party at the OU baseball field!

We had fun with the Bennett's celebrating Beau

Soccer!

2011-09-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

That's our #1 - she scored 6 goals in game #1

The Hello Kitty Rockstar girls did great and they are all great little players - team pic next game!

6 best buddies - we pray for marvelous comrades for all our kids - we definitely have it with these 6!

Today was the first game of soccer for the Hello Kitty Rockstars (yes that is their name) and the Sharks! The girls won big and the boys played the best 6 year old boys ever, but we were so proud of them - they truly played so hard and great too! Brax booted one in to keep us from a shut out. It's fun to see from one year to the next how much bigger and more aggressive they get and they just understand the game better. We look forward to a fun year of soccer with both teams. Kooper starts football in 2 weeks! Saturday afternoons at the ball field has begun.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord!

It happened today...

2011-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I have read about it and heard many stories from others but after being 1 year into the adoption process it happened to ME! I was taken off guard and speechless for about 2 seconds. An older gentleman had overheard that we were adopting. Knowing he loved Jesus - when he asked me about it I was expecting a "wow that is so great" grandpa response. But no, it was more like - "I never have really liked black people - I guess I'm just prejudice?" Ya think? - was what I was thinking but didn't come out of my mouth. I think my mouth just remained open for a few seconds and then I cleverly said, "wow, looks like you have some things to work out with you and Jesus!" He agreed that he probably did and went on probably not thinking another thing about it (though I pray he did). But this momma sobbed and Jesus was so kind to assure me that sweet Harper will feel His presence and His and our love in such deep ways that skin color will not matter. And of course not just Harper but every precious one. I love that families are just that families no matter how God puts them together!

Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families!